In a response to ongoing Houthi-led attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, the United States and United Kingdom have launched military strikes in Yemen. The Houthis, an Iran-aligned group based in Yemen, have described these strikes as “barbaric” and claim that their attacks are in opposition to Israel’s war on Gaza. The international community’s failure to address the situation in Gaza has also been cited as a reason for the Houthi attacks.
The Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, control most parts of Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa, and have been engaged in a decade-long civil war. The group rebelled against Yemen’s government in 2014, leading to a humanitarian crisis and sparking a military coalition led by Saudi Arabia. Despite receiving backing from Iran, analysts assert that the Houthis should not be seen as an Iranian proxy, as they have their own base, interests, and ambitions.
Yemen’s official government, led by President Rashad al-Alimi, is based in Aden. The relationship between the government and the Houthis has been fraught, and the civil war has resulted in what the United Nations has called “the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.” Approximately two-thirds of Yemen’s population, or 21.6 million people, are in dire need of humanitarian assistance and protection services.
While fighting between the Houthis and the military coalition has largely subsided, the Yemeni rebels and government forces have engaged in talks mediated by Oman to negotiate a permanent ceasefire. Additionally, Saudi Arabia restored relations with Iran in 2023, raising hopes for the peace process in Yemen.
The Houthis have been targeting commercial and military ships with potential Israeli links as a means of pressuring Israel to end its war on Gaza. Their recent takeover of the cargo ship Galaxy Leader has garnered attention, with the vessel now being turned into a tourist attraction for Yemenis. The group has stated that it will continue to attack Israel-linked ships despite the military strikes by the US and UK.
Analysts suggest that these attacks not only help the Houthis gain support domestically but also force other countries and governments to engage in negotiations with them, giving them de facto legitimacy as Yemen’s government. The attacks have also had wider implications, as several shipping companies have decided to divert ships across Africa instead of using the Red Sea and Suez Canal, which account for 30 percent of the world’s container ship traffic.
While progress has been made in ceasefire negotiations, experts warn that Houthi activity in the Red Sea could derail a final deal. The fear is that these attacks could trigger a US military response, potentially undoing the fragile ceasefire conditions. Some analysts are also concerned that the Houthis, with their bolstered numbers due to increased recruitment, may seek to expand their ambitions. However, others point out that the group might also seek closer relations with Saudi Arabia, which could act as a deterrent from escalating tensions within Yemen.
The situation in Yemen remains complex and precarious, with the ongoing Houthi attacks and military responses from the US and UK. The international community continues to navigate the delicate balance of addressing the humanitarian crisis and finding a path towards a lasting peace agreement in Yemen.
